Can narcolepsy affect hormone levels and cause PCOS at 37?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had narcolepsy since my late 20s and have been managing it with medication. Lately, though, my periods have become very irregular, and my gynecologist found that I have polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound. My testosterone level came back at 58 ng/dL, and according to the report, my LH-to-FSH ratio was also abnormal.

Does narcolepsy affect hormone levels and cause PCOS at age 37, or is this just a coincidence? Nobody seems to be able to give me a straight answer, and it is really frustrating.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry you are going through this.

Narcolepsy is not considered a direct cause of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome, also referred to as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome or PMOS), but there may be biological links that make the two conditions more likely to overlap in some individuals.

Based on your recent evaluations, your doctors are likely assessing you for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can absolutely be diagnosed at age 37, even if it was not recognized earlier. Many women have relatively mild symptoms in their 20s and only come to medical attention later when their menstrual cycles become more irregular.

Narcolepsy is linked to problems in the brain's hypocretin system, which's very important for sleep, metabolism, appetite, and hormones. The hypocretin system in the brain really helps regulate these things.

The part of the brain that deals with narcolepsy is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus helps control hormones that are related to reproduction. It does this with hormones like gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone.

Some studies have found that people with narcolepsy are more likely to have problems with their metabolism. They might gain weight. They might have insulin resistance. They might have hormone problems. However, researchers are not sure if narcolepsy directly causes the syndrome, also known as PCOS.

Have your weight, sleep, medicines, or periods changed recently? Were your periods regular before? This can help us see if your symptoms are due to PCOS or another hormone problem.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.